National Textile University

BSc. Textile Engineering

Garments Manufacturing

Experiment No: 05
To determine pilling resistance of a fabric.

Course Code: GM-4043

Course Title: Garments testing and Quality control
Semester: 7th
Submitted by: Muhammad Hamza
Registration number: 18-NTU-0106
Date of Assignment submission: 12 December 2022

Abstract:
In this lab report we will determine the pilling resistance property of fabric. We have
two samples of fabric one is abrader and the other is abradent. Abrador has 160mm
in diameter. And abradent has 120mm dia. We use a sample of cotton fabric which
has 135 GSM with 24 count. We observe readings according to ISO standard 12947.
We check pilling rate by Martindale test method.

Introduction:
A pilling test will measure and determine how resistant fabrics are to pilling or
fuzzing. It’s the same machine as the martindale abrasion test. But instead of the
test fabric being rubbed against a standard abradent, the test fabric is rubbed
against another piece of the same fabric.
Pilling is characterized by little balls of fibers attached on the fabric surface. These
are entangled in nature and do not look good on the garment. These are caused by
the fibers which got loose during washing and wearing. Due to rubbing action these
take the form of a ball.

Objective:
 To check pilling of fabric

Theory:
We use two methods for checking pilling test.
1. ICI Pilling box method
2. Martindale test method
Pilling box method:
in this method the sample tube with the test sample is placed in
the pilling test chamber, the instrument is started, and the sample is flipped and
rubbed in the box body. After the number of rollovers is agreed, the sample is taken
out for rating.

Martindale test method:

Martindale abrasion and pilling tester determines the
abrasion and pilling resistant of all kinds of textile structures. In this method samples
are rubbed against known abrasives at low pressure and in continuously directions.
The amount of abrasion or pilling is compared against standard parameters.

Equipment and material:

 Fabric samples
 Martindale tester

Method:
1. Select the specimens randomly from fabric sample.
2. Mark a pair of circular specimens of 38mm diameter with the help of template.
3. Mark a pair of circular abraders of same fabric of 160mm diameter with the
help of template.
4. Cut the specimens and abraders with the help of scissor.
5. First remove the holders from the tray.
6. Separate the spindles from the holders.
7. Dismantle the spindle and set the fabric specimens.
8. Placed the fabric samples and tightens the holders.
9. Reset the counter. ON the tester.
10. After the 100 cycles, stop the tester.
11. Remove the samples from the spindles.
12. Compare the samples with the standards.

Observations:
Sample 1. Grade 4 (less pilling)
Sample 2. Grade 3 (moderate)
Sample 3. Grade 4 (less)

Discussion:
There are five standards of pilling checking. Its start from rating 1 to rating 5. Rating
1 means severe pilling, rating 2 means low pilling, rating 3 means moderate pilling,
rating 4 means less pilling and rating 5 means no pilling. We use both of the
standards ISO and ASTMD. We compare our samples according to these ratings
standards and check the pilling rate.

Results:
We can reduce the pilling from clothing by using different enzymes, by cutting with
scissors, using a disposable razor, try a Pumice stone, prevent pilling in the first
place, choose your fabric wisely, by a commercial fabric shaver etc.

Reference:
From lab material
www.textilestudy.com